Hi all,

I know some of what I am asking is redundant on this board, however, I could not find the "specific" answer to the question that I have and was hoping the F150 Online community could help.

Given that I have now caught the mod-itch (thanks to you all here online), I am ready to purchase a new exhaust this weekend. I was prepared to go with the Gibson sweptside but heard (and read) great things about the Ravin system. I then called some local muffler shops and they too have supported this opinion. My basic dilemma is this:

I am looking for the best overall performance for the cost of the unit. The Gibson sweptside offers 12 HP over stock with a 5.4L engine, however, I have been unable to get any specifics on the Ravin system. Does anyone have any specific numbers and comparisons between these two options. In general, I have heard that the Ravin offers comparable performance at a substantial cost savings (with an awesome tone). If anyone can help clarify my understand it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

I really don't know anything about the Ravin exhaust but i do have the Gibson sideswept on my truck,grated i the 4.2 V6 but i like it alot.If you are looking for performance and a good increase in low to mid range power go with Gibson. If you want a louder exhaust go with the Ravin or some other brand but remember with some of these exhausts you lose some low end power. But you will gain some power at WOT and higher speeds. So it just depends on what you are looking for plus truckperformance.com has a sale until March 31 i got my Gibson sideswept for $274 with free shipping. It took about a week to get here but i live in Georgia and it came from California. Well i hope i help you a little good luck with whatever you choose.

------------------

98STX
4.2 V6
3.55 Gears
Black Clearcoat
Mods(So Far)
Superchip
K&N Filter
Gibson Catback Side Swept
BugflectorII
Window Ventshades
Pendaliner
Pioneer 12 Disk Changer W/Wireless Remote

Things I Want
FIPK (Airaid,K&N)
Ignigtion Upgrade(MSD,Jacobs)
Pulleys??

 

cyclone-
You didn't say what type of vehicle you have. Being an Expy owner, for my catback upgrade, I went with the least amount interior noise and the best low-end performance. For that, the Gibson Swept Side is the right product. I have been extremely pleased with it.
This Gibson replaced a Jardine catback. The Jardine was too noisy on the inside and too much lss of low-end torque. But, it was perfect on the exterior growl and super for high-end RPMs.

The long and the short of this? The is a catback out there for you, it's simply a matter of what you are looking for with this upgrade.

Ravin vs. Gibson? I can only comment about what I know...the Gibson is great.

------------------
2000 Wedgewood Blue Expy XLT 5.4L 4WD, C&C group, towing package, beige leather interior, captain's chairs, 6 CD Changer, 255/70R16, all-weather floor mats, factory fog lamps, Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic w/ Puralator filter

MODS
Ford Bug Deflector (2/15/00)
Superchip (3/11/00)
Airaid (3/23/00)
Edelbrock IAS shocks (3/23/00)
Jardine cat-back exhaust (4/6/00, removed 8/22/00)
Under Seat Locking Storage Drawer (6/6/00)
MPC Rear Air Foil (7/2/00)
Super-White Headlamps and Foglamps (1/15/01)
Gibson Swept Side catback (2/8/01)
Hellwig Rear Anti-Sway Bar (2/8/01)

 

Gibson or Ravin? Easy question to answer for myself. I chose the Ravin. For you, it's a matter of personal opinion. Before I ahd the Ravin installed, I hooked up with a guy that had the Gibson installed. Same engine, different bodies. I was more impressed with the Ravin. There is virtually no interior noise, and I have the "louder" of the Ravins the Z-33. The truck definately sounds like a truck now, and I just didn't think that the Gibson sounded right to be on a truck. It's all a personal choice for you. You have heard about the Ravins and Gibson, I can't give you any specific numbers on the Ravin because all that mumbo-jumbo crap doesn't matter to me.

 

Thanks for all of your replies. They helped. I think I am going with the Z55. Probably have it installed this weekend.
I will let you know how it turns out.

--------------------
2000 F-150 XLT Supercab, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 gears

• Smittybuilt sure step bars
• K&N Air Filter
• Ford (Duraliner) Bedliner
• Class III Tow Package
• Superchip